Skratch Labs Sour Cherry Energy Chews Review: What Works for Long Runs and Tempo Sessions

When you’re running longer distances or pushing the pace on tempo days, fueling can make or break the session. Too much sugar, poor ingredients, or bad timing can quickly lead to stomach issues or an energy crash. I tested Skratch Labs Sour Cherry Energy Chews across two demanding runs, a long Saturday run and an 8-mile tempo, to see whether they actually deliver steady energy without GI problems.

Skratch Labs positions these chews as a clean, easy-to-digest fuel made with simple ingredients. Each pack contains two servings, with five chews per serving. A full serving provides about 80 calories, 19 grams of carbohydrates, and 50 mg of caffeine sourced from green tea extract. The chews are pectin-based rather than gelatin, which Skratch claims makes them easier to chew and digest. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or waxes, which already puts them ahead of many overly processed fuel options.

On my long run, I took a full serving right at the start. The caffeine provided a noticeable but controlled lift, more alertness and focus without any jittery feeling. The energy delivery felt steady and helped carry me through the first half of the run without any drop-off. Most importantly, there were no stomach issues, which is often the first thing to go wrong when fueling during longer efforts.

I used the second serving during an 8-mile tempo run. Taken mid-run, the chews helped maintain intensity without feeling heavy or disruptive. I didn’t experience any slowdown or discomfort, and the energy felt clean rather than spiky. For harder efforts where pacing matters, that kind of consistency makes a real difference.

In terms of texture, these chews are soft and easy to get down, similar to a fruit snack but slightly less stiff than many traditional energy blocks. They don’t require aggressive chewing, which is a big advantage when breathing hard. The sour cherry flavor is mild rather than sharply sour, and I didn’t notice any unpleasant aftertaste or sticky residue between my teeth, something that can become distracting late in a run.

From a usability standpoint, they’re simple and low-fuss. You open the pack, chew, and move on. They’re easy to carry in a pocket or belt, and you don’t need water immediately after taking them. The only drawback here is the packaging: because each pack contains two servings, carrying a half-used pack can be inconvenient or messy if you don’t have a way to reseal it.

The other downside is cost. These chews are priced at the premium end of the fueling spectrum. If you fuel frequently or are on a tight budget, the price per serving might feel high compared to more basic options. That said, for runners who prioritize stomach comfort and predictable energy, the tradeoff may be worth it.

Overall, Skratch Labs Sour Cherry Energy Chews delivered exactly what I want from a fueling product: steady energy, no GI issues, and an easy eating experience during hard efforts. If you’re looking for a reliable fuel for long runs or tempo sessions and are willing to pay a bit more for quality ingredients and consistent performance, these are a strong option. I’ll continue using them in training and would recommend them to runners who struggle with digestion or energy crashes during longer or harder runs.